The Family of Robert and Sarah Boocock: Robert's Criminal Records

ROBERT'S FIRST ARREST, THE PRELIMINARY HEARING:

"PRESTON POLICE COURT...Tuesday, before J. Humber, W.B. Roper, W. Hogarth, and R. Benson, Esqrs...

Breaking into a Public House - Robert Boocock, aged 16 years, was charged with breaking and entering the Wellington Inn, Glover's Court, on the night of Friday, the 12th Sept. last, and stealing about 12s., two bottles of whisky, and a quantity of cigars, altogether of the value of 16s. 6d. - Mr. Forshaw appeared for the prisoner. - Richard Webster, landlord, said that on the night in question he made his house secure, and on the following morning he found that the house had been entered and the bar ransacked. - Benjamin Tomlinson, nightwatchman in the employ of Messrs. Hull and Sons, said that on the 13th Sept. he saw the prisoner near the house, and saw him light a cigar. P.C. Swarbrick also deposed to seeing the prisoner in Glover's Court at an early hour on the 13th Sept. - P.D. Watson said he apprehended the prisoner at Stoneyhurst College on the previous afternoon. He had absconded since the offence was committed, and had not been heard of until lately. He charged the prisoner with theft, and he replied "I'll tell you the truth, I stole 8s. in copper, two dozen cigars, and two bottles of whisky." He saw a Priest, who said he had been there six months, and had conducted himself very well. - Mr. Webster, recalled, said he knew the prisoner. He received a letter on the 3rd inst., with no signature to it, enclosing 10s. in postage stamps. He had stated that he did not wish to prosecute. - Prisoner was committed to the sessions, and an application for Bail was refused."

(From `The Preston Guardian', Wednesday, 31 March 1880)

ROBERT'S FIRST ARREST, THE TRIAL:

"PRESTON QUARTER SESSIONS - Trials of Prisoners...

Robert Boocock, 17, pleaded guilty to Breaking and Entering the dwelling-house of Richard Webster, Preston, and stealing therefrom 10s., twelve cigars, two gills of whisky, and two bottles, on the 13th Sept. 1879. Prosecutor, previous to being apprehended, sent in an anonymous letter, enclosing stamps to the value of 10s. Having hitherto borne a good character, he was bound over on his own recognisances to appear if called upon."

(From `The Preston Guardian', Saturday, 10 April 1880)

ROBERT'S FIRST ARREST, THE BILL OF COSTS:

"APRIL SESSION 1880, PROSECUTOR'S BILL FOR THE PROSECUTION OF ROBERT BOOCOCK FOR FELONY. Counsel: Mr. Irvine.
Witnesses:		PAID:
	Robert Watson, Constable	1s.
	Robert Johnson, Constable	1s.
	Benjamin Tomlinson, Watchman	3s. 6d.
	Richard Webster, Licensed Victualler	3s. 6d.

TOTAL COST OF PROSECUTION:		£6, 18S. 6d.

[From QSP 4076/47, Preston, Easter 1880]

NOTES:
1:	The P.C. Swarbrick that testified against Robert Boocock at the first hearing was apparently related to his brother-in-law George Swarbrick, the husband of his sister Ellen.
2:	The pub that Robert broke into was probably one of many owned by James Hull, and was across the road from James Hull & Sons Brewery. It was their nightwatchman, Mr. Tomilnson, who is mentioned in the first newspaper report. James Hull's wife Elizabeth Swarbrick was the aunt of Robert's brother-in-law George Swarbrick, and I can't help but wonder if this tenuous family connection was the reason that the landlord did not wish to press charges against Robert.
3:	The above information was taken from microfilmed copies of newspapers held at the Harris Library and from original documents held at the Lancashire Record Office.